Research, ideas, and leadership for a more secure, peaceful world

Past Event
In-Person
Seminar

Things That Go BOOM: Assessing Symbolic Significance in Military Technology

Harvard Faculty, Fellows, Staff, and Students

How does military technology take on different symbolic weight? In what ways do these symbols influence development cycles, political choices, and military consequences? This presentation explains different sources of symbolic significance for military technology by using the technologies themselves as case studies.

For more information, contact susan_lynch@hks.harvard.edu

Date: Time: - Location: One Brattle Square, 350

Speaker
Matthew Parent

Mikhail Kalashnikov and Eugene Stoner
The inventor of the AK-47, Mikhail Kalashnikov (right), meets the inventor of the M-16, Eugene Stoner (left)

Speaker: Matthew J. Parent, Impact and Outreach Coordinator, Project on Managing the Atom

How does military technology take on different symbolic weight? In what ways do these symbols influence development cycles, political choices, and military consequences? This presentation explains different sources of symbolic significance for military technology by using the technologies themselves as case studies. 

The Kalashnikov family of weapons and the AR15/M16 family of weapons have a long history of use and wide representation in strategic and popular culture. Using these cases as a base, the discussion then moves to emerging technologies and how symbols form as real-world use begins more frequently. While the symbols of weapons may not dictate particular policy choices, they do provide a backdrop for decision making and preference formation, and this research is meant to address this consideration.

Admittance is on a first come–first served basis.  Tea and Coffee Provided.

Up Next